CHRISTMAS 1891.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2297, 24 December 1891, Page 2

CHRISTMAS 1891.

Again we note the advent of Christmas, with all its preparations for mirth, merriment, and good cheer. This year it appears to have come even more suddenly than usual upon us, but its approach is welcomed from the fact that there is every appearance of the coming year being one of prosperity. For farmers the prospects are unusually good, and with their prosperity that of other sorts and conditions of men marches hand in hand. In Temuka the tradesmen have been making preparations for the expected increase of business for some time.

THE DRAPERS have windows decked most temptingly. Mr J. W. Miles has a very choice display of apparel suited for the season, together with fancy goods of all descriptions for Christmas presents. His commodious showroom is.very tastefully arranged, and there may be found toys, fancy bags, baskets, bracelets, china, and all sorts of bric-a-brac that ladies delight in. Another sign of the season is the busy aspeet of his dressmaking department, in which business is so brisk that orders had to be declined. Mr G. H. Mogridge has also a seasonable display, and his Caledonian friends will find at his establishment a choice assortment of summer clothing, tartans, and so forth. This year Christmas cards 1 have been made a speciality, and his choice I iu this department is unequalled. *

Mr W. C. Eoulston has made the very best of his splendid stock, and his commodous shop is replete not only with ladies and gentlemen’s clothing, hoisery, etc., but also with the choicest nicknacks. - Mr Job Brown has also a nice selection of drapery etc., and makes a speciality of a line of straw hats. Among the GENERAL STOREKEEPERS he takes a prominent place, displaying choice Christmas fruits, china and glassware, toys, Christmas cards and so forth. He has also a stand devoted to a new beverage (non-intoxicant), that everyone is recommended to try. Mr D. Taylor has an opportunity in his new premises of displaying his stock to best advantage, and his goods should attract a large share of attention.

Mr J. Harrison shows a very nice lot of chinaware of all descriptions, and some novelties in the shape of porcelain, framed pictures.

Mr D. Owers has made no special display, but he has a special consignment of seasonable goods. Mr E. C. Dann has laid in a capital stock of Christmas annuals, gift books, cards, etc., and a visit to his premises should prove interesting. THE CONFECTIONERS, have evidently laid themselves out for a good time. At Mr T. Barr’s all the available space is occupied with tables laden with toys arrayed according to price. Here may be found everything, from a penny watch, guaranteed to make the time go fast or slow, to a lady’s workbox of excellent finish. Of “ sweeties ” he has a rare stock. Mr McCaskill has a splendid display of cakes and cookies, and also a fine selection of toys etc. He has made special arrangements for picnic parties and school treats. Mr James Marshall has opened his new premises with a good display of Christmas cakes, etc. Miss Donoghue has a large' selection of English, Colonial and French confectionery, and should be in a position to supply the requirements of all the “ lollie-loviug ” youngsters in the district. Mr R, Darroch although not in the Main street, has not been unmindful of his customers, and has secured a good stock of Christmas cheer as well as his usual “ baking of cakes.” On Christmas Day there will be the usual special services at the Churches which will be decorated for the occasion. At St. Saviour’s in the afternoon the prizes will be awarded in connection with the Sunday School. THE BUTCHERS have made a display that is most creditable to themselves and to the district. At the Central Butchery, Messrs Vallender & Watt have made the most of their commodous premises. The shop is very tastefully decorated with magnificent tree ferns, coloured tissue-paper garlands and ceiling centre-piece. The display of meat is excellent, but the speciality is the small goods. A bullock’s head, beautifully dressed, bears the motto “ A Merry Christmas,” and it is flanked by a calf’s head, with the motto K Welcome ” upon it. In the centre is a saddle of mutton, upon which appears a miniature stockyard, with fowls, etc., within all most tasefully carved from the joint, It is certainly, one of the best displays of its kind to be seen.

Mr McLeod, of the Bull’s Head Butchery, has a really fine disply of meat, and his shop‘is literally garlanded with flowers. When lighted with Chinese lanterns it attracted a large circle of admirers. He shows a fat sheep weighing 1151 b bred by Mr Quinn, and lambs weighing 70lb bred by Mr J. Bitzgerald. His beef, which is prime, is from Mr E. Lee’s farm. Messrs Whitehead and Son, of the Al, have also a very choice display, and their shop presents a very pleasing appearance, being nicely decorated and well lighted. He shows two sheep, bred by Mr Dalton, that scale 1201 b and lambs of rare qualilty from Mr J. Woodhead’s flock. He has also some magnificent veal from Mr T. Daily’s, and excellent beef from Mr Stewart’s Orari farm.

BOXING DAY will be marked by the celebi’ation of the Caledonian Society’s sports which promise to be unusually interesting. In every event there are large entries and the handicappers have had by no means an easy task. The grounds are in good order. The course has been completel enclosed with a substantial fence and th lawn in front of the grand stand has been separated from the general ground by a picket fence. There will be the usual attractions in the shape of a baud, etc. The programmes of sports' have developed from cards to fair sized volumes and can be purchased from Mr T. Grunniou. In the evening a grand Scotch concert will take place, and singers of more than ordinary repute have been engaged to take part in the proceedings. An interesting feature of the programme should be the playing of a string baud composed of local amateurs.